Tech Boom in Bangladesh: How Starlink Could Boost Digital Transformation

Bangladesh is on the brink of a digital revolution with the potential arrival of non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) networks like Starlink. Technology experts believe this could transform the country’s connectivity and Starlink benefits Bangladesh in terms of driving advancements in education, healthcare, business, and social inclusion through high-speed, low-latency internet access.

Starlink’s Speed and Performance

Starlink offers download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, with most users experiencing over 100 Mbps. Upload speeds range from 5 to 20 Mbps, making it a strong contender for high-speed broadband access in remote areas.

Elon Musk’s Talks with Bangladesh

On Thursday, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a video discussion with Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, Tesla, and social media platform X, to explore a potential collaboration for launching Starlink’s satellite internet services in Bangladesh.

Mustafa Mahmud Hussain, a telecom and technology analyst, noted that Bangladesh is well-positioned to adopt NGSO satellite services, provided the government ensures flexible regulations that foster competition and innovation.

“Starlink could be a game-changer for connecting underserved areas, addressing the limitations of existing broadband providers,” Mahmud stated.

Banglalink and Starlink: A Possible Partnership?

In addition to Starlink’s direct entry, Veon Ltd, the parent company of Banglalink, is exploring a partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to introduce satellite-powered mobile services in Bangladesh. This could help bridge connectivity gaps in areas where traditional networks fall short.

According to industry insiders, Banglalink is expected to finalize a deal with SpaceX at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

Concerns Over Cost and Accessibility

While Starlink’s technology is promising, pricing remains a major concern. Telecom expert Lt Col (Retd) Mohammad Zulfikar, currently Secretary-General of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB), expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that affordability will determine Starlink’s success in Bangladesh.

“The key question is: How much will it cost for Bangladeshi users?” he said.

Starlink’s pricing varies by region, with SpaceX offering different tariffs for Southeast Asia and Africa to promote digital inclusion. In some African nations, Starlink’s service costs between $10and$30 per month, significantly lower than the $120 monthly fee currently listed for other regions.

How Starlink Works

To access Starlink’s internet service, users need to purchase a Starlink Kit, which includes:

• A receiver/antenna
• Kickstand
• Router
• Cables & power supply

The kit costs between $349and$599, while monthly subscriptions start at $120 for residential users, with higher fees for corporate clients.

Starlink vs. Traditional ISPs in Bangladesh

Industry experts highlight that Bangladesh’s ISPs and mobile network operators currently depend on submarine cables and international terrestrial cables (ITC) for bandwidth. In contrast, Starlink operates through thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (~550 km above Earth), eliminating the need for ground-based infrastructure.

As of January 30, 2025, Starlink has deployed 6,994 satellites globally, serving over 100 countries. The service first launched in South Asia through Bhutan.

Regulatory Progress and Government Discussions

In July 2023, Starlink introduced its technology in Bangladesh for testing. By October 2024, a Starlink delegation met with BIDA’s Executive Chairman, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and BTRC officials to discuss licensing under the proposed “Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operator” guidelines.

During recent talks, Yunus and Musk emphasized Starlink’s transformative potential for Bangladesh, particularly for:

• Young entrepreneurs
• Women in rural areas
• Remote communities lacking reliable internet access

A Digital Turning Point for Bangladesh?

While Starlink promises to redefine internet access in Bangladesh and Starlink benefits Bangladesh in many ways but questions remain about pricing, regulation, and competition with existing ISPs. If costs can be adjusted for affordability, Starlink could unlock unprecedented opportunities for millions of Bangladeshis, bridging the digital divide and accelerating national progress.